The Triwizard Tournament had brought danger, spectacle, and an unshakable buzz to hogwarts, but tonight, none of that mattered, tonight was the Yule Ball—a night meant for music, magic, and memories, the great hall had been transformed into a glowing palace of frost and firelight, students spun in dazzling robes, laughter floated like snowflakes, and for most, it was a dream

But not for you

You had imagined this night a thousand times—standing beside her, Hermione, in dress robes, her hand in yours, the two of you moving together to the music like you were the only two people in the room, but dreams are cruel sometimes, because she wasn’t with you

She was with Viktor Krum

You knew it the moment she walked in—her dress flowing like water, hair curled to perfection, eyes glowing with something soft and proud. And beside her, the famous quidditch star, holding her arm like she belonged to him

You’d never felt so jealous

You sat off to the side with harry and ron, harry couldn’t stop sneaking glances at cho now dancing with cedric, while Ron devouring the buffet like there's no tomorrow, and you? You only watched Hermione, every step, every laugh, every time Krum leaned in close

When they danced, it wasn’t graceful—it was awkward, stiff, but she was smiling, really smiling, and that hurt more than it should’ve

As the weird sisters slowed the tempo, the song fading into a gentle hum, krum kissed her hand, she blushed, you looked away

She returned to your group a few minutes later, cheeks flushed, curls bouncing as she slipped into the seat beside harry, “It’s so crowded there” she said, breathless and glowing, “Viktor grabbing a drinks, you should join us— it's lovely”

It was supposed to be your night with her, but she’d chosen someone else

And yet... she still smiled at you like you mattered